Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has traveled to the United States amidst significant developments regarding the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti. This deployment is part of a United Nations-backed mission aimed at combating gang violence in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. Approximately 1,000 Kenyan police officers are set to be part of this multinational effort, which also includes personnel from other countries such as Benin, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, and Chad. The mission is primarily funded and logistically supported by the United States.

Despite facing legal challenges within Kenya, the deployment is moving forward, with the first group of officers scheduled to depart on June 25, 2024. The Kenyan government secured the necessary agreements earlier this year, and President William Ruto has been a vocal supporter of the mission, emphasizing its importance for both Haiti and the international community.

In the meantime, Kenya’s Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has been meeting with top Haitian police officials to finalize preparations for the mission. These efforts underscore the commitment of both nations to address the severe gang violence that has plagued Haiti, leading to significant humanitarian crises.